Managing stormwater on your property
Simple steps around your home can have big benefits in your yard and in our region. On-site stormwater management helps protect water quality and reduce flooding and erosion, but having a comprehensive list of common best practices can be overwhelming. Many local watershed groups provide tips and resources. Here, we’ve listed a few of our favorites to give you quick access to the manuals, worksheets, and diagrams that may simplify your search.
Be sure to check with your local Building Department to make sure you are in compliance with applicable codes and ordinances, before installing any of the options described below.
Rain Garden Manual For Homeowners
Courtesy the Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District, the Rain Garden Manual for Homeowners is one of many resources they offer. It outlines rain garden terms and definitions, recommendations for creating the right rain garden for your property, and important diagrams and planting instructions.
This resource is important reading if you are installing a rain garden to qualify for a Regional Stormwater Management Program fee credit. Your application will include the calculations and details you must consider.
- Planning your rain garden (courtesy Central Ohio Rain Garden Initiative)
- Reference documents and worksheets (courtesy the City of Maplewood, MN)
Handy guides to rain gardens
- Blue Thumb Guide to Rain Gardens: Find how-to video clips and useful tools for creating and maintaining a rain garden
- A related resource is offered by URS, How to create a rain garden in 6 easy steps
How to Build a Rain Barrel
Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District offers annual workshops along with many recommendations and resources for making rain barrels for your property.
This resource is important reading if you are installing a rain garden to qualify for a Regional Stormwater Management Program fee credit. Your application will include the calculations and details you must consider.
How to Disconnect Downspouts
If anyone knows about rain, it’s Portland. This City of Portland, Oregon, Environmental Services manual shows you the simple steps and explains why this form of stormwater management is more than just disconnection.
This resource is important reading if you are installing a rain garden to qualify for a Regional Stormwater Management Program fee credit. Your application will include the calculations and details you must consider.